Cradle of Forestry to open April 13 with living history event

Published: Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at 10:00 a.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at 7:39 p.m.

The Cradle of Forestry in America historic site will begin the 2013 season on April 13 with a living history event, “Old Time Plowing and Folkways.”

David and Diane Burnette from Haywood County will demonstrate how their Percheron draft horses work the land the old way. Weather permitting, they will plow the Cradle’s vegetable garden along the Biltmore Campus Trail and teach a skill that was once familiar to many.

The Cradle of Forestry’s living history volunteers will interpret wood carving and spinning among the historic buildings. Visitors can also learn how to make their own corn husk doll. Toward the end of the day, fiddle tunes will fill the air by the garden.

The Cradle of Forestry will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from April 13 until Nov. 10. At various times during the season, living history volunteers will demonstrate wood crafts, fiber arts, blacksmithing, open hearth cooking, broom making and candle making. The Giving Tree Gift Shop at the Cradle offers many of their creations.

Other events planned in 2013 include a June 15 Twilight Firefly Tour, the Songcatchers Music Series Sunday afternoons in July and Forest Festival Day on Oct. 5. Visitors can enjoy guided trail tours, interpretive programs and rotating exhibits through the season.

Admission to the Cradle of Forestry is $5 for adults and free for youth under 16 years of age and those with Federal Recreation passes and Golden Passports. Access is free on Tuesdays, sponsored by the Cradle of Forestry in America Interpretive Association.

Admission includes the 30-minute film, “There’s Magic at the Cradle, the Forest Discovery Center with 15 hands-on exhibits, scavenger hunts, a firefighting helicopter simulator, historic cabins, antique equipment and forest scenery on three paved trails, and The Adventure Zone, designed to reach children with autism and engage young families. It also includes guided trail tours and living history demonstrations when available.

The Cradle is on Highway 276 in Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, six miles north of Looking Glass Falls and four miles south of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

For more information call 828-877-3130 or go to www.cradleofforestry.com.

<p>The Cradle of Forestry in America historic site will begin the 2013 season on April 13 with a living history event, “Old Time Plowing and Folkways.”</p><p>David and Diane Burnette from Haywood County will demonstrate how their Percheron draft horses work the land the old way. Weather permitting, they will plow the Cradle's vegetable garden along the Biltmore Campus Trail and teach a skill that was once familiar to many. </p><p>The Cradle of Forestry's living history volunteers will interpret wood carving and spinning among the historic buildings. Visitors can also learn how to make their own corn husk doll. Toward the end of the day, fiddle tunes will fill the air by the garden.</p><p>The Cradle of Forestry will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from April 13 until Nov. 10. At various times during the season, living history volunteers will demonstrate wood crafts, fiber arts, blacksmithing, open hearth cooking, broom making and candle making. The Giving Tree Gift Shop at the Cradle offers many of their creations.</p><p>Other events planned in 2013 include a June 15 Twilight Firefly Tour, the Songcatchers Music Series Sunday afternoons in July and Forest Festival Day on Oct. 5. Visitors can enjoy guided trail tours, interpretive programs and rotating exhibits through the season. </p><p>Admission to the Cradle of Forestry is $5 for adults and free for youth under 16 years of age and those with Federal Recreation passes and Golden Passports. Access is free on Tuesdays, sponsored by the Cradle of Forestry in America Interpretive Association. </p><p>Admission includes the 30-minute film, “There's Magic at the Cradle, the Forest Discovery Center with 15 hands-on exhibits, scavenger hunts, a firefighting helicopter simulator, historic cabins, antique equipment and forest scenery on three paved trails, and The Adventure Zone, designed to reach children with autism and engage young families. It also includes guided trail tours and living history demonstrations when available.</p><p>The Cradle is on Highway 276 in Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, six miles north of Looking Glass Falls and four miles south of the Blue Ridge Parkway. </p><p>For more information call 828-877-3130 or go to www.cradleofforestry.com.</p>